Cate Blanchett shocked at The Hobbit return

The first of three films based on an adaptation of the 1937 novel by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is a prequel to The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. It will star Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins, Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield and Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug. Several actors from The Lord of the Rings will reprise their roles, including Ian McKellen, Andy Serkis, Hugo Weaving, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Ian Holm, Elijah Wood & Orlando Bloom. Bilbo Baggins (Freeman) is swept into a quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug.

The actress reprised her role as Galadriel from Sir Peter Jackson's award-winning 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy in the prequel, despite her character not appearing in J.R.R. Tolkien's novel on which the film is based, so she was pleasantly surprised when she was asked back.

Speaking at the film's Royal UK premiere at the Odeon cinema in London's Leicester Square on Wednesday night (12.12.12), she said: ''Galadriel's only glancingly mentioned in 'The Hobbit' so I had no expectation of being in the film. I was simply excited to see it as an audience member.''

The glamorous 43-year-old star relished the opportunity to reunite with cast and crew members from the original films when she returned to the New Zealand set where both 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' were filmed.

She added: ''I thought my job was done a decade ago. I was absolutely thrilled to come back for a week and visit everyone again.''

The premiere was attended by Prince William and marked the 65th royal film screening in aid of the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund (CTBF), which supports industry workers in times of hardship.

The prince greeted the film's cast and crew and was presented with a 'Hobbit' goodie bag for his wife Duchess Catherine, who was unable to attend due to a recurring bout of hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness, brought on by her recently announced pregnancy.

Other stars from the film who walked a special green carpet included Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen and Andy Serkis as well as director Peter Jackson.